Nigeria to Host Professional Bodybuilding Event in 2026, Launch League in April – IFBB Nigeria
Lagos, Oct. 11, 2025 (NAN) Nigeria will host a professional bodybuilding event from next year and launch a national Fitness and Bodybuilding League in April, marking a major step forward in the country’s sports development agenda.
President of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Nigeria, Soye Elekima, made the announcement at the conclusion of the Mr Universe Nigeria competition held on Saturday at the MUSON Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Nigeria will be hosting a professional event from next year,” Elekima said.
“We are also starting a Fitness and Bodybuilding League in April, in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and other key stakeholders.”
Elekima said the league would provide a platform for talent development and sustained grassroots growth, while the professional event would place Nigeria on the global bodybuilding map, drawing athletes from across the world.
He highlighted the country’s rising profile in the sport, citing the international success of Nigerian athletes such as Samuel Dauda, Andrew Jacks, and David Bodebi.
Meanwhile, Samuel Akinrolabu of Rivers State clinched the overall gold medal at the Mr Universe Nigeria competition, which featured athletes from over 12 countries including the U.S., Spain, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
Akinrolabu, alongside David Zacheaus Gold of Ondo, earned a coveted professional bodybuilding card, qualifying both to compete in global IFBB Pro League events. Alfred Sogomote of Bayelsa won bronze, while Nigeria Police officer Edward Achi, representing Kaduna, also secured gold in his category.
Elekima praised the athletes’ achievements, describing them as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing investment in grassroots bodybuilding programmes.
The event was sanctioned by the IFBB and judged by international officials, cementing Nigeria’s increasing importance on the world bodybuilding stage.(NAN)
